Pacing A Lot In The Fall!
After my fun experience being a pace bunny at the Oakville Half-Marathon last fall, I decided to apply to pace a bunch of other races this year. I enjoy running a little slower, it’s a new challenge, and I save a bunch of cash too. I have confirmation now that I will be pacing for 3 races this fall:
Midsummer Night’s Run 30k
August 18, 2012
3:30 with 10 and 1’s “Pace Fairy”
Oakville Half-Marathon
September 23, 2012
2:30 with 10 and 1’s Pace Bunny
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
October 14, 2012
4:55 with 10 and 1’s Pace Bunny
Apparently there were A LOT of people who wanted to be pacers for Scotia. It’s an expensive, high-profile race so I don’t blame them. They even “provide” you with gear to wear including shoes. However, it has to be Brooks brand things you wear. I guess I better get used to wearing Brooks shoes. Sorry Saucony!
A few people have contacted me to ask how I got in to pace for Scotia. From what I understand,they only took experienced pacers this year. So, my fun experience at Oakville last fall really, really paid off!
I’m a bit concerned about pacing for Midsummer Night’s Run. Not because of the pacing, but because of the costume. Apparently I have to wear wings and a tutu. The organizer told me they are provided. Many people have told me they plan to come or run now just to see me in the costume. I’m not sure how to feel about this. I suspect there will be lots of photos.
I plan to embrace it. Perhaps make my own “steampunk” style wings. Or tech them out with led lights or something. It will be cool. I’ll make sure of it!
Wind resistance is another issue entirely… hmm…
Oh, and since A Midsummer Night’s Run has a Shakespeare theme, I plan to memorize a whole bunch of quotes in Elizabethan English from Shakespeare’s plays to recite during the run. This is going to be awesome! Steampunk wings, Shakespeare quotes, tutu!
I’m looking forward to pacing. It’s a different kind of challenge where you need to run at a certain pace rather than as fast as you can. It takes a lot of pressure off from having to always try to beat your personal best. It’s also very motivating that people are relying on you. Pacing has a different kind of pressure where you’re nervously checking your watch every 30 seconds.
Look for me if you’re doing any of these races this fall.
Post details
- Categories: General Running and/or Fitness
- Published: May 31, 2012
And as someone with a BFA in theatre, I present:
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, straining upon the start. (Henry V)
Why dost thou run so many mile about? (Richard III)
Bid me run and I will strive with things impossible. (Julius Caesar)
There be some sports are painful, and their labour/Delight in them sets off. (The Tempest) – The Tempsest is an awesome play!
I love it! Good for getting me started!!
My wife has a big pair of wings (from a past Hallowe’en) she says you can borrow. I’ll get a pic to you if you want.
Wow, pacing three races! That’s awesome! Right now I’m hoping for a 3hour MNR but I’m def going to look out for you, I’ve gotta see those wings! I’m also debating over the Oakville half or Milton half, so if it’s Oakville (which is the front runner right now) I’ll keep an eye out again! You’ll still be the one wearing the fairy wings right?! LOL
[…] Pace a lot of races, namely A Midsummer Night’s Run 30k, Oakville Half-Marathon, and Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon […]